We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
WiseGEEK

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Science

How Might Blood Transfusions Change in the Future?

Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Last year, UK researchers conducted the first-ever clinical trial in which participants received small transfusions of red blood cells that had been grown from stem cells. The trial appears to have been successful, as the two volunteers did not experience any negative side effects from the lab-grown red blood cells, which are necessary for transporting oxygen from the lungs throughout the body.

Although the vast majority of blood donations will likely continue to originate from blood donors, scientists hope that growing red blood cells in the laboratory will ensure that patients with rare blood types or blood disorders always have access to appropriately-matched blood when they need it. Specifically, the researchers hope the new technology will transform the lives of patients with sickle cell disease and thalassemia, who depend on frequent transfusions.

One of the objectives of the trial was to study the lifespan of lab-grown cells compared with normal blood transfusions. Red blood cells last about 120 days before they need to be replaced. A typical blood donation contains both young and old red blood cells, but lab-grown blood is all fresh. This could mean that patients will require smaller, less frequent transfusions, reducing common complications such as iron overload.

The future of blood donations?

  • The researchers plan to increase the scale of their study by comparing the lifespan of lab-grown versus normal red blood cells in at least 10 healthy volunteers. The quantity of blood in the mini-transfusions (just 5 to 10 milliliters) is significantly less than in a normal blood transfusion.

  • The technology will need to be scaled up significantly to make lab-grown blood feasible and cost-effective for regular use in hospitals. A regular blood donation costs the UK's National Health Service (NHS) around £130 ($157 USD), which is far less expensive than producing lab-grown blood.

  • The groundbreaking research was carried out by scientists from the University of Bristol and the University of Cambridge, in collaboration with NHS (National Health Service) Blood and Transplant.
    • WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
    See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

    Discussion Comments

    WiseGEEK, in your inbox

    Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

    WiseGEEK, in your inbox

    Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.